During its regularly scheduled board meeting today, the Dubuque Racing Association (DRA) announced the recipients of its 2026 Mission Grant awards. The DRA Board of Directors approved funding totaling $250,000 to support transformative projects that align with the organization’s People Attraction focus on population growth, retention, and tourism.

A total of 45 Mission Grant applications were submitted during the 2026 grant cycle, with 38 applications advancing to the review phase. Collectively, applicants requested more than $6.18 million in funding. Following a competitive review process, five organizations advanced to Phase 2 presentations before the Mission Grant Committee.

Dubuque Soccer Club
o Award: $100,000
o Project: Shared Turf, Shared Future: Dubuque’s First Indoor Youth Soccer Facility
o Overview: Funding will support the development of a 37,200-square-foot indoor youth soccer training facility in Dubuque. The project will provide year-round recreational opportunities, support youth development, and serve as a shared community asset for local organizations, schools, and colleges. The facility is expected to strengthen Dubuque’s appeal to families while expanding opportunities for youth sports and community programming.

Dyersville Events
o Award: $100,000 annually, renewable for up to five years
o Project: Professional Ballpark at the Field of Dreams
o Overview: Funding will support the “Bring It Home” campaign to preserve and expand the iconic Field of Dreams site through development of a professional baseball stadium and related tourism amenities. The project is expected to generate significant regional tourism, create economic impact throughout Eastern Iowa, and enhance youth sports opportunities while strengthening one of the state’s most recognizable destinations.

The Butler Children’s Garden Foundation Inc.
o Award: $50,000
o Project: Wanderwood Gardens
o Overview: As part of a previously approved multi-year commitment, the Butler Children’s Garden Foundation will receive the second-year installment of its Mission Grant award. Funding will continue to support Wanderwood Gardens, an immersive nature-based destination that promotes healthy childhood development, environmental stewardship, and family engagement while contributing to the region’s quality of life and visitor experiences.

Mission Grants are awarded to projects that demonstrate long-term sustainability, measurable community impact, and alignment with DRA’s goals of enhancing the Dubuque region through population growth, retention, and tourism. Grant awards typically range from $50,000 to $100,000.

“This year’s Mission Grant recipients represent the type of transformative projects that help shape the future of our region,” said Mandy Miller, Chief of Staff for DRA. “From expanding youth sports opportunities and attracting visitors from across the country to creating unique experiences for families, these investments support initiatives that make our communities stronger, more vibrant, and more attractive places to live, work, and visit.”

The DRA Mission Grant program focuses on supporting large-scale initiatives that create lasting impact throughout the region. In addition to the Mission Grant awards, DRA will distribute more than $1 million through its annual Core Grant program later this year.

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About the DRA

The DRA, through its gaming and entertainment facilities provides for social, economic and community betterment and lessens the burden of Dubuque city and area government, while contributing to the growth and viability of Dubuque area tourism. The organization has been a vital part of the community since its inception in 1985 and is operated by a volunteer board comprised of 21 directors who work together to guide operations of Q Casino + Resort. The DRA holds the license for casino-gaming operations of Q Casino + Resort and is also the co-licensee for the Diamond Jo Casino, both of which are located in Dubuque. For more information on DRA and its community-minded mission, visit https://dradubuque.com/.